One major reform in terms of legislation that has been done in the UAE involves lowering the age of majority from 21 years to 18 years. The effect of such a huge step in law can be felt in many aspects concerning inheritance rights and succession. If you fall into any category among those listed below, then this development is for you.
We are here at Charter Legal to assist you with any changes in the law relating to your estate planning and wills in the UAE.
Understanding the Change in the Age of Majority
In light of the new UAE Civil Transactions Law amendments, the previously fixed age of majority at 21 years according to the lunar calendar has now been lowered to 18 years according to the Gregorian calendar in the United Arab Emirates. As such, persons who have attained the age of 18 years are regarded as mature adults legally.
It has made the country compliant with international laws.
The change affects several legal areas, including:
- inheritance rights
- guardianship provisions
- will execution
- management of inherited assets
- powers of attorney
At Charter Legal, we strongly recommend reviewing existing estate plans in light of this important development.
Why the Age of Majority Matters in Inheritance Law
One can legally inherit, manage, and control one’s inheritance once they attain the age of majority.
Historically, people under the age of 21 had a guardian manage their inheritance for them.
With the new law, individuals who are above 18 years old are allowed to manage their inheritance freely without the assistance of any guardian.
This includes:
- bank accounts
- real estate assets
- investment portfolios
- business shares
- movable property
This change can significantly impact how estates are distributed and administered.
Impact on Existing Wills
One of the very first impacts of this legislation is how it affects existing wills.
A lot of wills created prior to 2026 will contain conditions under which assets will be handed down to the beneficiary once they reach the age of 21.
As such a condition no longer stands, such provisions may have to be urgently revised.
If, for instance, the testator has appointed someone who is supposed to look after the assets until the minor reaches 21 years of age, such clauses might raise questions about interpretation.
At Charter Legal, we urge our clients to make necessary adjustments to their wills in order to preserve any age-related provisions therein.
Changes to Guardianship and Minor Beneficiaries
The reduction in the age of majority also affects guardianship arrangements.
Previously, guardianship over financial inheritance often extended until the beneficiary turned 21.
Now, guardianship responsibilities may legally end when the beneficiary reaches 18, unless otherwise structured through the will or court order.
This is especially important for families with:
- minor children
- trusts and protected funds
- high-value estates
- cross-border assets
Parents and guardians should review succession plans to ensure proper protection for young beneficiaries.
Implications for Expatriates in the UAE
For expatriates living in Dubai and across the UAE, this change is particularly significant.
Many expatriate families rely on UAE-registered wills to ensure the smooth succession of:
- real estate
- bank deposits
- company shares
- personal investments
With the legal adulthood threshold now at 18, inheritance and guardianship provisions for children may operate differently than originally intended.
At Charter Legal, we assist expatriate clients in reviewing wills, DIFC wills, and guardianship nominations to reflect the updated law.
Business and Family Wealth Implications
For business owners and high-net-worth families, inheritance often involves company ownership and succession planning.
The new law means that heirs who turn 18 may now legally hold and manage:
- shares in family businesses
- directorship rights
- partnership interests
- dividend entitlements
This may accelerate business succession and require revisions to shareholder agreements and family governance structures.
Professional legal guidance is essential to avoid disputes and ensure business continuity.
Why Legal Review is Essential
This legal reform is more than a technical amendment, it directly affects how wealth passes from one generation to the next.
Without reviewing your legal documents, you may face:
- inheritance disputes
- conflicting guardianship clauses
- unintended asset control
- delays in estate distribution
At Charter Legal, we provide comprehensive legal support for:
- inheritance law
- will drafting and review
- guardianship clauses
- succession planning
- estate dispute resolution
Conclusion
The reduction of the age of majority from 21 to 18 by the UAE has made significant changes to their inheritance laws.
It has affected wills, guardianship issues, and whether the beneficiary will be able to legally handle the estate.
Regardless if you are a local family, foreign resident, or even an entrepreneur, this is the best time for you to assess your estate plan.
At Charter Legal, we can assist you in ensuring that your inheritance plans comply with all UAE laws.